Rock falls to result in work at quarry
Thursday 12th February 2009, 12:00PM GMT.
Work is to be carried out to stabilise a former Shropshire quarry after it caused two landslides in just one week on a county road.
An investigation has been launched after a second rock fall happened on the A458 at Harley Bank, Much Wenlock, yesterday.
The first landslide caused 80 tonnes of rock to tumble down the embankment on Thursday last week resulting in the road being closed until Saturday afternoon.
Temporary traffic lights are in place along with an advisory diversion for southbound heavy goods vehicles.
Council officials said recent freezing temperatures may have contributed to the falls but said the old quarry on Wenlock Edge needed to be made safe.
Brian Bennett, Shropshire County Council’s assistant divisional surveyor, said: “Following a small rock fall on the A458 at Harley Bank yesterday, temporary traffic lights and concrete barriers have been installed to protect road users in the event of further rock falls. These measures will remain in place until further notice.
“The rock is from the old quarry and the fall is not connected to work carried out at Harley Bank last summer. We will meet with our consultants and contractors tomorrow to discuss this.”
A Shropshire County Council spokesman said: “There is no rock on the road. We believe it may be a result of the recent climatic conditions making excavations at the quarry unstable.”
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